Great Pyrenees vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
80% Compatible
Energy Level
Great Pyrenees: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Great Pyrenees: Independent0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Great Pyrenees: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Great Pyrenees3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Great Pyrenees3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Great Pyrenees3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Great Pyrenees
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Bone Cancer: Higher risk breed
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
GM1: Storage disease disorder
JDCM: Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
EOPRA: Early-onset eye disease
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
Great Pyrenees
Pros
Excellent guardian
Gentle with family
Independent nature
Good with children
Weather-resistant coat
Cons
Heavy shedding
Stubborn streak
Needs space
Independent nature
Barking tendency
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Non-shedding coat
Excellent swimming ability
Great family companion
Athletic and versatile
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Expensive maintenance
Great Pyrenees Fun Fact
Great Pyrenees were once appointed as official guard dogs for the French royal court in medieval times.
Portuguese Water Dog Fun Fact
These dogs were trained to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear and could swim for hours in cold ocean waters.
Heritage & Purpose
Great Pyrenees
Origin:
Mountain guardians in the Pyrenees range between France and Spain, protecting sheep from wolves and bears since medieval times. Valued for their independence and protective instincts.
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin:
Maritime working dogs of Portuguese fishing vessels during the 15th century, helping retrieve gear and herd fish into nets while serving as boat guardians and messengers.
Special Considerations
Great Pyrenees
Regular grooming needed for heavy coat. Requires secure fencing due to roaming instincts. Early socialization essential for balanced temperament.
Portuguese Water Dog
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being. Regular eye and hip examinations recommended.
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